When you first get a brand-new car, things are great. That’s because manufacturer warranties cover parts. Then, if something fails or malfunctions, the problem gets fixed for free. But as your ride ages, those guarantees vanish. Or, perhaps you bought a used car that didn’t have any warranties to begin with. Whatever the case may be, you’ll probably have to start paying for car repairs out of pocket eventually.
Once that happens, you’re sure to feel the crunch financially. After all, some auto repairs aren’t cheap. As such, it could seem like you have to break the bank to get a shop to perform the repairs. For example, if your vehicle’s fuel injectors clog, you might need to have them and the fuel lines cleaned professionally to get things back on track. But sometimes, cleaning isn’t the solution; rather, fuel injectors must be replaced.
Just like that, you would be staring at an expensive project, as the cost for this service averages between $814 and $1,329. This is why coming up with those funds all at once could be problematic. So, don’t give issues the chance to develop. Instead, come up with ways to pay for your car repairs that don’t leave your bank account drained at every turn. Have you considered obtaining a used car warranty? That is one route you could take to ensure you can afford unexpected auto repairs.
Vehicle Service Contract
A used car warranty is also known as a vehicle service contract or VSC. Consumers can purchase factory extended warranties from original manufacturers. But they also have aftermarket warranties available from third-party companies. A warranty is an excellent solution to pay for your car repairs. With it, you’ll spend reasonable amounts on premiums and deductibles while the policy picks up the rest of the tab for repairs.
In most cases, extended car warranty providers offer three levels of coverage. Basic plans typically cover the powertrain and main components. There is usually an inclusionary or named component plan as well. This option is a step up from the powertrain solution and covers the items detailed within the paperwork. However, it is notable to mention that parts/systems not listed in the contract are probably excluded.
Lastly, exclusionary policies are generally available too. With one of them, you’ll have comprehensive coverage. The only things that won’t be covered will be detailed in the contract. But don’t worry if a VSC doesn’t sound like a good fit because all is not lost. You can use other methods to be sure you can pay for your auto repairs.
Save for Used Car Repairs
If you don’t want a used car warranty for some reason, saving is something else you can do to pay for car repairs. Get online to research professional repair costs with local shops. That will tell you how much cash will be required for particular projects. Then, you’ll simply have to take so much money out of your checks per week or month to put back.
Have you ever attempted to save before? If that’s the case, you know this isn’t going to be an easy task. It is possible, though. So, stick to the plan and you’ll have the cash on hand in the blink of an eye for motor replacements, transmission rebuilds, and more.
Take Out a Loan
When your car breaks down unexpectedly, you’ll likely want it fixed and back on the road as soon as possible. After all, do you really want to ride the bus or get an Uber to travel back and forth to work, school, or somewhere else each day? But you do what you have to do when you don’t have the cash to tackle auto repairs.
However, it might be easier to get the money than you think. For example, you could always get a payday loan to pay the repair shop. Providing that you have a job, these loans are typically simple to qualify for. Just keep in mind that you will have to pay interest on the amount you borrow. Hence, you’ll be paying back more than what you received from the get-go.
Would you rather avoid that interest? Obtaining a family member loan might be possible without getting charged interest. Then, you’ll have the money to get your car fixed, and as long as you repay the cash as agreed upon, you can probably return for another loan in the future if needed.
Look for Deals
Even if you feel pretty good about your current financial situation, you should still take the time to shop around when it comes to used car repairs. That is because nobody wants to overpay for anything, including auto rehabilitations. So, take advantage of the tools at your disposal to look for deals or coupons. You might be able to find discounts and bargains for shops online. Then again, you can also check inside your local newspaper to see if there are coupons for a percentage off services. Finding deals like these will help ensure you can pay for auto repairs when they arise.
The Final Say-So
Whatever you do, don’t think that breakdowns won’t occur. Things happen, and your car could certainly leave you stranded on the side of the road. That’s why you need to have a plan in place to cover auto repair expenses. That will ensure your ride gets fixed when necessary and doesn’t remain broken for an extended period.